Odd woman out

Everyone wants to fit in, right? And most of us, at one time or the other, have felt like we don’t.

For example, I often feel like an oddity in my world, large and small.

First, I have curly hair.  You wouldn’t think this would be a big deal, but head to a shampoo aisle someday and look for the products that don’t promise to increase volume, or make your hair sleek, shiny and touchable.  Those Pantene commericials with the amazing swooshy locks?  Not possible for gals like me (at least not without an hour of flat-ironing).

Then there’s the larger, societal reality of being a Yankee in the mid-south.  Aside from my accent and lack of love for the SEC, I look forward to snow and (to my shame) often show disdain for my adopted hometown’s inability to function when the white stuff makes an appearance.

Third, and back to the mundane, I like tea.  You know those early morning staff meetings?  I’ve been to many of them where the only hot beverage available is coffee, because, after all, doesn’t everyone drink coffee?  Some of my more organized tea-drinking friends carry their own supplies.  I should do that.

Luckily, though, people are generally kind to us oddities. Today, I did a little dance when I opened the cupboard in the break room and found a lovely stash of several kinds of teas.  Lots of people remark on how unusual and interesting my curly locks are, and despite my Northern origins, the good people of Arkansas have welcomed me with open arms.

And yesterday, a coworker gave me this.  She BOUGHT it for me, for no reason other than she knows I drink tea and thought it was cute.  I think that is just about the nicest thing anyone could have done for me.

Sometimes, it’s ok not to fit in.